The Renters Right Act came into effect on 1 May 2026 and is designed to make renting fairer, safer and more secure.
This new law will strengthen private renters' rights, raise housing standards and create a fairer balance between landlords and tenants.
For tenants with an assured shorthold tenancy, which most tenants have, the Act provides the following protection:
- 'No-fault' (or section21) evictions are now illegal – private landlords can only evict tenants with a legally valid reason
- No more fixed contracts – most tenancies will become rolling tenancies with no fixed end date
- Fairer rules on rent increases – private landlords will only be able to raise rent once a year
- No discrimination – landlords will not be able to refuse a tenant because they have children or receive benefits
- Fairer rules from the start – unfair bidding wars are now illegal and landlords cannot demand more than a month's rent upfront
New funding from Government will be used to create a Renter’s Rights Resolution Team who will support tenants and landlords to get the right information and guidance.
Private rented tenants impacted by any of the above can access information and support here
Topics